Thigh Lift is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from either the outer or inner thighs. This procedure is often sought-after substantial weight loss to reduce excess tissue in their thighs, giving a physique with a more toned appearance.
Our patients typically desire a thigh lift because the skin around the legs has lost its elasticity due to the natural aging process, or fat deposits have been left behind following dramatic weight loss. Regardless of the reasons behind wanting a thigh lift, our surgeons at CRS Plastic Surgery can address these issues through the consultation process and help our patients decide on which procedures will provide the youthful, natural-looking appearance they desire.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
If you are in good general health and have excess soft tissue that you would like to eliminate, you may be a good candidate for a thigh lift. Because the area is susceptible to the effects of weight changes, your doctor may recommend that you reach or maintain your ideal weight for a period of time before addressing the excess tissue and skin. Part of achieving satisfying results from a thigh lift is having realistic expectations. Your doctor will take time to sit with you and hear your concerns and goals. They will also thoroughly explain the treatment process and what to expect in terms of results.
What Happens During the Thigh Lift Procedure?
Your thigh lift is an outpatient procedure that is performed using general anesthesia. You will be "asleep" for the procedure and will not feel any pain. After you are anesthetized, your doctor will make a horizontal or vertical incision. Your incision pattern will depend on the type of thigh lift you are having, medial (inner) or lateral (outer). If you have excess fatty tissue that needs to be removed to shape your thighs, this will be performed first. Then, the thigh tissue and skin will be tightened around the muscle to acheive a more sculpted appearance. Stitches are placed to close your incisions the area will be bandaged before you're sent off to the monitored recovery area.
Is a Thigh Lift Painful?
No. General anesthesia turns on neurons in the brain that block pain signals during surgery and for a short time thereafter. When you wake up from your thigh lift, you may feel sore and tender. These side effects fade gradually over a few weeks. You will be given a prescription for pain medication that, taken as directed, can help significantly improve your comfort. You may also be advised to wear a compression garment around your thighs to provide support that helps reduce discomfort.
Can a Thigh Lift be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes. Many of the people who are interested in thigh lift surgery have lost a significant amount of weight and are dealing with excess tissue and skin in more than one area of the body. Our surgeons have extensive training in body contouring procedures including liposuction, abdominoplasty, and brachioplasty. They have also received training in post-bariatric surgery to sculpt the body after significant weight loss.
When Can I Resume Regular Daily Activities After My Procedure?
After your thigh lift, you may be advised to minimize physical movement for two weeks or more. It will be necessary to walk around the house a few times a day to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs. Aside from that, though, you will be limited and will need to take care when standing, sitting, and walking. After two weeks, you will begin to move more, but still with extreme gentleness. You can expect to be back to many if not all of your normal activities one to two months after surgery. If you have questions about activity limitations at any time during your thigh lift recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Results
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